Element vs ALU Power vs ? for Blade v8 16x19

[squall]

Hi,

I've been searching for any worth reel for my new Blade v8 16x19. Buying it, I got it strung with ALU in price. I was very impressed by the ALU, comparing on the second racquet with Tourna BHS7T, I just liked the ALU more (I felt more connected to the ball and control seemed to be better). I read some articles here and people recommend both ALU and Element for the Blade, some of them even recommend hybrid ALU with Element - what do you think? What are the benefits of ALU vs Element or while making them in hybrid (ALU mains, Element crosses)?
I played twice with Element on my Clash but didn't like it - I mean - it's probably because of racquet, because the Clash was so soft, and I just felt like I don't have much control on ball, but people say with Element you have much feel and control.... so probably it was just Clash that didn't want to work with it.
Normally I'd go with ALU, but two things: it is my 6th or 7th hour on ALU now and to be honest it's first string ever that I feel is dead - the sound is just terrible and the feeling.... I just feel like I can feel all vibrations on my wrist when it's dead - don't know if you experience the same. The second thing is that I read some posts here that ALU caused some of you injuries - I'm young, 21 years old, should I be aware of ALU anyway?
I search for maximum feel where the ball is landing, control and spin.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

-lux.element is a notably softer poly string
-if you dont string it too high, then it should work well on the blades
-what tension did you string the lux.alu?

 

[Mischko]

ALU deteriorates quickly, if you are a solid consistent hard hitter, less than 1h. After that it's quickly loose, and harder, stiffer feeling. When new, it has high energy return, you can punch through the court, but it should be strung really low. 6-7h is too much for ALU.

Element has a similar material to ALU on the outside, and a soft material inside, it's a double monofilament kind of. Very good string, but it's softer than ALU, and the ball sinks into the stringbed much more, so it has less energy return. If you hit hard, you'll notice that it's more of a shock absorbing kind of string, but with good feel, less spin because the ball sinks in, you always lose spin with more ball pocketing. So not the same type of string as ALU really, ALU is a race string, while Element is more for recreational players who want to take care of their elbows, and play with something really good but softer and better on slower hittting.

Some WTA players play ALU in mains and Element in crosses, because ALU when hit off centre can be slightly jarring or dead, particularly in a lighter racquet and on slower swings, so Element in crosses gives the stringbed some softness.

However, pro players take a new racquet every 20min, and you want to play min 4h with a same string setup, so it's not the same.

Since you're considering premium strings try Babolat RPM Power 1.25, and maybe Yonex PT Rev orange 1.25 too. Both also competition level strings but not harsh and definitely longer lasting with much less deterioration than ALU, Rev particularly

 

[nyc]

It's hard to beat the feel of Alu Power in the Blade, but it dies quickly and costs an arm and a leg. I play with the V7, which is quite a bit softer and can handle a stiffer string, so I ended up using MSV Focus Hex and loving it. If your arm can handle it, I would try that at low tension (I string at 48 lbs). Durability isn't great either but at $90 per reel it's ok.

I see a lot of V8's with Hyper G which IMO is a lesser string all around than Alu in the Blade, but lasts longer and is less expensive.

 

[FoldingChair]

Most racquets I’ve used were great with ALU for that first hour or two but the cost to benefit ratio makes it not worth imo. I’ve been using the Hyper G regular and soft which also aren’t cutting it. I’ve had my best results with Lynx 1.20 and/or Lynx 1.25 in the v8 blade 16x19. Softer, lasts longer, a little livelier, still spin friendly, comes in a variety of colors (a plus for me). YMMV best of luck

 

[FIRETennis]

I used to play with ALU mains and Element crosses in the V7 16x19 Blade. Really nice setup.

 

[squall]

What about Cyber Flash? I see it is so cheap - I can’t believe it’s only about 40$ per reel and some people compare it to ALU

 

[TennisManiac]

What about Cyber Flash? I see it is so cheap - I can’t believe it’s only about 40$ per reel and some people compare it to ALU

Cyber Flash is garbage. It's absolutely nothing like Alu. Trust me.

 

[squall]

Cyber Flash is garbage. It's absolutely nothing like Alu. Trust me.

How about Tecnifibre Ice Code - do you have any experience with that? I also like the "trampoline" effect of ALU.

 

[blai212]

try kirschbaum max power if you want a longer lasting ALU but string it lower because it is stiffer. Head lynx tour is also a solid option. ALU was born in the jurassic era of polys…the newer polys are much better at tension maintenance/longevity

 

[Mischko]

ice code is not like ALU at all. feel is very muted, probably the most muted string I've ever tried, energy return is so-so, but it's soft on your arm. it's closer to element than to ALU, but element is much better overall. tecnifibre razor code is springy and has power, too springy for me, forces me to spin to control it, but it's much more comparable to ALU than ice code. I've only tried the superold blue version, maybe the newer white razor code is different

 

[3virgul14]

The P/P king of ALUPOWERish strings is Pacific Poly Force imho. It has a very good energy return, nice feel, works like a charm on blade sticks and much cheaper. Very underrated premium string.

Try it and string about 52/48, you won't regret it.

If you are a spin oriented baseliner, then I would go for TBHS7T .

 

[squall]

The P/P king of ALUPOWERish strings is Pacific Poly Force imho. It has a very good energy return, nice feel, works like a charm on blade sticks and much cheaper. Very underrated premium string.

Try it and string about 52/48, you won't regret it.

If you are a spin oriented baseliner, then I would go for TBHS7T .

Currently I have BHS7T strung at 22kg. Alu was at 20,5.
generally I like the Tourna (ending the reel), but I dont have that „trampoline” effect which I had with ALU. Dont know if it’s because of tension, but with the Tourna I have less feel and it feels „boardy” sometimes

 

[squall]

Maybe should I try hybrid BHS7T with Element or Ice Code? Do you really think Element beats Ice Code in any category?

 

[DJTaurus]

Just put 4G 1.25 / 21kg and report back…. it’s the main string that Wilson suggests and works great on all Blades.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

Just put 4G 1.25 / 21kg and report back…. it’s the main string that Wilson suggests and works great on all Blades.

-the new v8s seem to work well with higher stiffness strings
-the 4g is a great combo
-i have a v8 with lux.4g.SOFT at 51lbs, its a bit soft, not bad, very comfortable!!
-i think ill go back to regular 4g again!!, it worked well the last time i strung it with l.4g

 

[DJTaurus]

-the new v8s seem to work well with higher stiffness strings
-the 4g is a great combo
-i have a v8 with lux.4g.SOFT at 51lbs, its a bit soft, not bad, very comfortable!!
-i think ill go back to regular 4g again!!, it worked well the last time i strung it with l.4g

4G gives it even more solid feel and enhances it’s power and spin. It works so well on this stick. It even gave it a lot more power even from a thinner 1.20 hyper g i used at super low tension of 21kg…..

I never liked 4G soft. 4G gives a more complete/solid sensation on impact…. more crisp with better ball connection.

I am curious to try Vibe.

Did you try Lynx Tour on V8 ?

 

[1HBHfanatic]

..............
Did you try Lynx Tour on V8 ?

-I'm not sure I'd like that one!!?,, too soft is what im thinking
-i tried lux.element and lux.savage
-any softer and i think ill lose too much feel of the ball

 

[squall]

4G is overrated, had it once on Clash before and for me - it isn't worth its price. At the moment I'm playing hybrid BHS7T/Razor Code and like it.

 

[yessir]

Alu is the most overrated string of all time for amateur players.

 

[achapa8807]

So anyone here have a recommendation for the best string for feel/playability/durability for the Blade v8?